LED converter including a resonant convertor

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an LED converter for operating a load comprising at least one LED series that includes at least one LED, preferably multiple LEDs. On the primary side, the LED converter comprises a resonant converter supplied with a direct current voltage. The resonant converter has a half-bridge that is constructed of two reciprocally clocked switches and that provides a supply voltage for the LED series through a serial/parallel resonance circuit connected to the midpoint of said half-bridge. To regulate the power transferred by the LED converter to the LED series as a feedback factor in each switch-on cycle, a control unit is designed to directly or indirectly determine a peak value of the feedback factor through the lower-potential switch of the half-bridge and to adjust the clocking of the half-bridge, i.e. the frequency and/or the duty factor, as a control factor.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a §371 National Phase of PCT/EP2012/076075, filed Dec. 19, 2012, which claims the benefit of German Patent Application No. 10211089873.5, filed Dec. 23, 2011.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the operation of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), wherein light-emitting diodes are understood to mean inorganic light-emitting diodes, but also organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). The term LED will be used here representatively.

BACKGROUND

It is known that the light emission or the brightness of an LED correlates with the current flow through the LED. For brightness regulation (dimming), LEDs are therefore preferably operated in a mode in which the current flow through the LED is regulated.

In principle, it is already known to supply electric power to an LED string, which can have one or more LEDs connected in series, from a constant current source. It is likewise known to use pulse width modulation (PWM) to implement dimming, with the result that constant current regulation can be implemented in the on times of a PWM pulse train. During dimming, the duty factor of the PWM signal is then varied.

In order to provide the supply voltage of the constant current source, an actively clocked PFC (Power Factor Correction) circuit can be used, for example.

Finally, yet further requirements also need to be taken into consideration in the operation of LEDs. For example, galvanic isolation between the LED string and the supply voltage of the PFC, typically a mains voltage, is generally required.

These requirements are provided, for example, by an LED converter with a clocked constant current source, as is known from DE 10 2010 031239 A1, for example. The clocked constant current source described therein can also be in the form of a flyback converter.

LED converters are also known which can supply a variable load, i.e. a different, variable number of LEDs or LEDs of different types in the LED string. In particular for this reason, the use of flyback converters, for example, is preferred since this type of converter can be set relatively flexibly and, with such converters, it is possible for there to be an effective response to a change in the load operated by the LED converter (caused by adding or removing LEDs and/or by a change in temperature, for example).

In this case, for example, the number of LEDs can vary between 1 and 16. Thus, the LED converter needs to be capable, for example, of providing an output voltage of 3 volts for a (single) LED, for example, whereas it needs to provide an output voltage of 48 volts for, for example, 16 LEDs connected in series.

In particular when using a flyback converter, the amount of energy which can be transmitted by said flyback converter is limited, however, since the component parts, in particular the primary-side winding, cannot be enlarged to an unlimited extent.

A further problem with the flyback converter consists in that a control circuit for controlling or regulating the switch of the flyback converter is provided on the primary side. In order that the control circuit can implement the control or regulation, typically measurement signal feedback from the secondary side of the flyback converter to the control circuit takes place, wherein this feedback likewise needs to take place with galvanic isolation in order to maintain the galvanic isolation.

In order to achieve this, an optocoupler is used, for example, which makes it possible to feed back the measurement signal with galvanic isolation. The use of an optocoupler results in relatively high costs in comparison with the total costs of the circuit, however. Furthermore, the life and also the stability over time of the optocoupler are limited.

Furthermore, resonant converters have long been known, for example, from the field of ballasts for fluorescent lamps. In this field, resonant converters are used, for example, to generate a high voltage necessary for operation of a fluorescent lamp.

The resonant converter (“LLC resonant converter”) is in particular a form of DC-to-DC converter which operates with a resonant circuit for energy transmission. The resonant converter in this case converts a DC voltage into a single-phase or polyphase AC voltage and is typically operated on an approximately constant load for optimum operation. Resonant converters operate during constant operation (i.e. during operation on a constant load) at a predefined frequency working point on the resonance curve.

One disadvantage, however, consists in that in the event of a change in load owing to a variation of the LED string (different LEDs or a different number of LEDs in the series circuit of LEDs), the frequency working point on a resonance curve also shifts and the resonant converter therefore no longer operates in optimum fashion.

However, this means that not only the voltage gain, i.e. the ratio of bus voltage to output voltage, varies, but also the phase angle Φ (angle between the current IL and the voltage V_(bus), as illustrated in FIG. 1) varies.

Therefore, a reactive range may result, i.e. an increase in the reactive current caused by a phase shift, in which range the efficiency of the resonant converter decreases.

Therefore, the frequency working point for the resonant converter when using 16 LEDs, for example, is very much closer to a resonance peak than when using only one LED, in which case the frequency working point is shifted considerably upwards, i.e. away from the resonance peak. Thus, the efficiency during operation with one LED is markedly reduced.

The invention therefore addresses the problem of providing an LED converter which is embodied with a resonant converter and which enables a variable and flexible operation in the case of a varying load. At the same time, signal feedback which takes place with galvanic isolation will be dispensed with.

SUMMARY

The invention solves this problem by means of an apparatus, a method and an integrated circuit as claimed in the independent claims. Further advantageous configurations of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

The invention therefore provides an LED converter for operating a load comprising at least one LED string having at least one LED, preferably having a plurality of LEDs, wherein the LED converter comprises, on the primary side, a resonant converter to which a DC voltage is supplied, and which has a half-bridge formed with two alternately clocked switches, which half-bridge provides a supply voltage for the LED string via a series/parallel resonant circuit connected to the center point of said half-bridge, wherein a control unit, for regulating the power transmitted by the LED converter to the LED string, is configured to determine directly or indirectly a peak value of the current through the lower-potential switch of the half-bridge, as actual value variable fed back in each switch-on cycle, and to set, as controlled variable, the clocking, i.e. the frequency and/or the duty factor, of the half-bridge.

The control unit can determine the peak value by sampling a voltage/current at a measuring resistor. The control unit can store a higher value detected in each case by the sampling, the instantaneous peak value.

The control unit can reset a stored value in synchronism with the circuit of the lower-potential switch of the half-bridge.

The control unit can identify a secondary-side fault state, in particular a short circuit, when the detected peak value reaches a threshold value.

In the event of identification of a fault state, the control unit can vary the frequency of the clocking and/or a duty factor of the half-bridge and thus reduce the transmitted power and/or can disconnect the LED converter.

The control unit can set the DC voltage supplying the resonant converter by driving a switch of a PFC circuit.

The control unit can communicate a setpoint value for the DC voltage supplying the resonant converter to a PFC circuit.

The series/parallel resonant circuit can supply a transformer, which provides, at its output on the secondary side, the supply voltage for the LED string.

A diode circuit can be provided on the secondary side, preferably at an output of the transformer, which diode circuit feeds a storage capacitor, which provides the supply voltage for the LED string.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a method for operating an LED converter for operating a load comprising at least one LED string having at least one LED, preferably having a plurality of LEDs, wherein the LED converter comprises, on the primary side, a resonant converter to which a DC voltage is supplied, and which has a half-bridge formed with two alternately clocked switches, which half-bridge provides a supply voltage for the LED string via a series/parallel resonant circuit connected to the center point of said half-bridge, wherein a control unit, for regulating the power transmitted by the LED converter to the LED string, determines directly or indirectly the peak value of the current through the lower-potential switch of the half-bridge as actual value variable which is fed back in each switch-on cycle of the lower-potential switch and sets, as controlled variable, the clocking, i.e. the frequency and/or the duty factor, of the half-bridge.

Finally, in yet a further aspect, the invention provides an integrated circuit, preferably a microcontroller and/or an ASIC or a combination thereof, which is configured and/or programmed to implement a method, as has been described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described below also with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows, schematically, a relationship between a bus voltage, an LED current and a phase angle.

FIG. 2 shows a block circuit diagram of an LED converter in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 3 shows, schematically, an exemplary embodiment of an LED converter in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a flow chart for a start sequence, as is implemented by a control unit in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 5 shows, schematically, a relationship between sampling of a feedback variable in the resonant converter and a variation of the mains voltage and a frequency of the clocking of the half-bridge of the resonant converter.

FIG. 6 shows a flow chart for runtime control/regulation, as is implemented by a control unit in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 7 shows, schematically, a method according to the invention for determining a peak value for the feedback variable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention will now be described first in respect of FIG. 2, which shows a block circuit diagram for an LED converter 10 according to the invention. The invention solves the abovementioned problem in particular in that the frequency working point of the resonant converter 1 on the resonance curve is restricted to a range, in particular a frequency corridor f_(opt) which is limited on at least one side, and in which the efficiency of the resonant converter is high. This frequency corridor f_(opt) is stored in a control unit 2 in advance, preferably in the factory.

In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, therefore, variations in the working frequency of the resonant converter 1 are possible within this frequency corridor f_(ppt). The frequency f_(sw) at which the resonant converter 1 operates or is operated is therefore not entirely fixed. As a result, sufficient adaptivity of the resonant converter 1 to different loads (for example different types and/or different numbers of LEDs) in an LED string 6 can be permitted.

In order to make this adaptivity of the resonant converter 1 possible, the DC voltage supplying the resonant converter 1 or the bus voltage V_(bus) (DC voltage) is varied in order to adjust to the load when the frequency working point moves outside of the limits of the frequency corridor, i.e. if the working frequency of the resonant converter 1 were to be outside the frequency corridor which is limited on at least one side, owing to calibration using the feedback variable.

In accordance with the invention, therefore, the control unit 2 is configured to regulate/control the regulated/controlled working frequency for the resonant converter. Preferably, in this case the control unit 2 detects, as feedback variable, the current I_(sense) through the resonant converter 1. This is shown schematically in FIG. 2. In addition, FIG. 2 shows galvanic isolation 3 downstream of the resonant converter 1. The control unit 2 sets and/or regulates furthermore the bus voltage V_(bus), for example by means of a drive signal V_(bus)* for an AC-to-DC converter with a variable output or for a switch of the PFC circuit 4.

It is of course also possible for the control unit 2 to preset a setpoint value to the PFC circuit 4, to which setpoint value the PFC circuit 4 sets the bus voltage/DC voltage V_(bus). This is in particular the case when the bus voltage V_(bus) is not fed back to the control unit 2, but regulation for the bus voltage V_(bus) is already provided in the PFC circuit 4 itself.

In addition to the frequency corridor f_(opt), in this case also a dimming setpoint value I* or alternatively or additionally possibly also a fixed working point for a working frequency of the resonant converter 1 can be preset to the control unit 2.

If a dimming signal I* now enters with which the control unit 2 would need to set a working frequency of the resonant converter 1 which is outside the preset optimum frequency corridor f_(opt), the control unit 2 will vary the setpoint value V_(bus)* for the PFC circuit 4 (for example an actively clocked PFC), with the result that the bus voltage V_(bus) supplying the resonant converter 1 is varied, in particular reduced.

The control unit 2 controls/regulates in this case in particular the frequency f_(sw) for the clocking of a half-bridge of the resonant converter 1 in order to set the working frequency of the resonant converter 1.

On the basis of FIG. 3, an exemplary embodiment of a circuit arrangement for an LED converter 10′ in accordance with the invention will now be described.

In addition to the bus voltage V_(bus) (block 4′), FIG. 3 shows a resonant converter 1′ which has a half-bridge formed with two alternately clocked switches S1, S2, to which half-bridge the bus voltage V_(bus) is supplied. The switches S1, S2 are in particular field-effect transistors (FETs), for example MOSFETs. The switches S1, S2 are in this case driven by a control unit 2′ via in each case one gate connection g1, g2.

A series resonant circuit (alternatively a parallel resonant circuit) comprising an inductance L and a capacitance C is connected to the center point of the half-bridge, wherein this series resonant circuit in turn supplies a transformer 3′ (transformer T1 for galvanic isolation).

The figure shows a diode circuit on the secondary side at the output of the transformer, which diode circuit feeds a storage capacitor (ELCO). This arrangement corresponds to the “rectifier and filter” block 5 shown in FIG. 2. The DC voltage at the storage capacitor in turn supplies an LED string 6′.

The switches S1 and S2 are in this case ideally driven by the control unit 2′ in such a way that they are turned on alternately for the duration of a half-period of the resonant frequency of the inductance L and the capacitance C.

For this purpose, the control unit 2′ preferably generates two square-wave voltages, each having an on time of 45%, for example, wherein care should be taken to ensure that there are no overlaps. In order to regulate the resonant converter, only the respective frequency f_(sw) needs to be regulated by the control unit 2′, therefore, for driving the switches S1, S2, or the dead time needs to be correspondingly lengthened or shortened.

On full load, the switches S1, S2 therefore have only a short dead time and are driven in push-pull mode preferably at the resonant frequency of the series resonant circuit.

Correspondingly, a virtually sinusoidal voltage characteristic is set at the storage capacitor. The primary-side voltage can in this case be approximately half the bus voltage V_(bus). Since the switches S1, S2 can each be switched on for the duration of a half-period preferably of the resonant frequency of the series resonant circuit, the current in the resonant circuit during switch-on and switch-off is always precisely at the zero crossing, for example, which results in low switching losses.

If the intention is for the power of the resonant converter to be reduced, the switching frequency can be reduced with a constant on time. In principle, the series resonant circuit is then still at resonance, for example, but then the oscillation is maintained for the duration of the dead time, during which time both switches S1, S2 are off, and then continued at the same point at the end of the dead time.

The voltage characteristic at the storage capacitor can therefore be virtually frozen at the crest value for the duration of the dead time, wherein the storage capacitor can store the charge up until the end of the dead time. The switching frequency of the resonant converter can then be reduced down to 0 Hz, for example, on a low load.

Returning to FIG. 2, the control unit 2 is therefore in particular configured to implement a regulation method/control in respect of the frequency f_(sw) of the resonant converter 2 and the bus voltage V_(bus), as is described below.

In this case, reference is now also made to FIGS. 1 and 4, which describe part of the method according to the invention.

Since it is not yet known when the LED converter 10 is switched on how great the load on the LED string 6 is, i.e. in particular it is not known what type and/or what number of LEDs is connected, the control unit 2 first implements a start sequence.

In the start sequence (step S401), therefore, the resonant converter 1 is operated by the control unit 2 first at a frequency f_(sw) such that the frequency working point is in the predetermined frequency corridor f_(opt), in particular at a specific working point on the resonance curve. In this case, the bus voltage V_(bus) which supplies the resonant converter 1 is kept as low as possible.

Starting from the minimum value for the bus voltage, the bus voltage V_(bus) is then gradually increased (steps S402 to S404), while at the same time the feedback variable, for example the current I_(sense), is measured and/or detected by the control unit 2.

The feedback variable is preferably determined at a shunt between ground and the low-potential switch (the switch S1 in FIG. 3) of the half-bridge of the resonant converter 1. Alternatively or in addition, a voltage V_(shunt) can also be detected by the control unit 2 as feedback variable at the shunt.

First, there may be a wait for the duration of a transient recovery time between a change in the bus voltage V_(bus) and repeated checking or repeated sampling of the feedback variable (step S403).

If the feedback variable (for example a peak value Max of the current through the lower-potential switch of the half-bridge, generally a peak value Max for the feedback variable which is detected for the resonant converter 1) reaches a setpoint value ref (step S404), the bus voltage is not increased any further. The control unit 2 then changes to a mode for runtime control of the resonant converter (step S405) and the start sequence is then ended (step S406). Otherwise, the method returns to step S402 and increases the bus voltage V_(bus) again.

The bus voltage is naturally only kept fixed as long as the frequency f_(sw) of the resonant converter is within the frequency corridor f_(opt).

Preferably, the start sequence is performed every time the mains voltage is newly applied to the LED converter 10.

The feedback variable, which, as has been mentioned, is a peak value Max for the feedback variable at the shunt, for example, is in this case only an example of a possible variable which reflects the power transmitted by the resonant converter 1. A conclusion can also be drawn in respect of the instantaneous working point from this feedback variable and, correspondingly, the frequency f_(sw) can be set by the control unit 2.

Alternatively, other feedback variables detected on the primary side or secondary side can also be used. As already described, in the case of the feedback of secondary-side feedback variables, additional galvanic isolation, for example by means of an optocoupler, is necessary, which, as mentioned already above, results in elevated costs for the circuit and is therefore not preferable in this case.

For example, the permitted working point range, or the frequency corridor f_(opt) which is limited on at least one side, could be in a range of from 80 kHz±10 kHz at a working frequency of, for example, 80 kHz for the primary-side clocking of the resonant converter 1. The range can, however, also be approximately ±20%, preferably ±15%, about an optimum working frequency and determine the at least single-sided frequency corridor f_(opt).

The effects of the start sequence on various variables of the LED converter 10 are shown schematically in FIG. 5. In this case, FIG. 5 shows, at the top, the characteristic of the bus voltage V_(bus), while values for the feedback variable detected by the control unit 2 are plotted in the center in FIG. 5, and likewise the threshold value ref is illustrated (dashed line).

If the threshold value ref for the feedback variable has been exceeded owing to the gradual increase in the bus voltage V_(bus), it is possible, as shown at the bottom in FIG. 5, for the frequency f_(sw) for the clocking of the switches of the half-bridge to be temporarily increased for a short period of time until the detected feedback variable is again below the threshold value ref.

In addition, FIG. 5 shows firstly a sampling rate for the feedback variable, on the basis of which the bus voltage V_(bus) is adjusted, and secondly the sampling rate of the feedback variable on the basis of which the frequency f_(sw) for the clocking of the switches of the half-bridge of the resonant converter 1 takes place in order to keep the frequency working point within the frequency corridor f_(opt). The frequency corridor f_(opt) is illustrated at the bottom of FIG. 5 by dashed lines.

The method according to the invention for runtime control/regulation is shown in FIG. 6. In this case, checks are continually performed to ascertain whether the frequency f_(sw) for the clocking of the switches of the half-bridge of the resonant converter 2 is outside the frequency corridor f_(opt) (step S601), i.e. whether the frequency f_(sw) needs to be varied owing to the detected feedback variable in order to keep the frequency working point in the frequency corridor.

If this is not the case, the bus voltage V_(bus) is corrected (see step S602). After a potential wait for the duration of a transient recovery time (step S603), a check is again performed to ascertain whether operation in the optimum frequency corridor f_(opt) (frequency band) is taking place in respect of the frequency f_(sw) for the clocking of the switches of the half-bridge (step S604). If the frequency f_(sw) for the clocking of the switches, and therefore the frequency working point, is in the frequency corridor f_(opt), the control unit 2 returns to the runtime correction mode (step S601).

If the frequency f_(sw) for the clocking of the switches of the resonant converter 1 is outside the frequency corridor f_(opt), the control unit returns to step S602, in which the bus voltage V_(bus) is corrected. Therefore, the runtime control regulates/controls the bus voltage V_(bus), with the result that the working frequency f_(sw) for the clocking of the switches of the resonant converter 1 is kept within the frequency corridor f_(opt).

A control unit 2″ can in particular detect a peak value Max for the feedback variable. This will now be described with reference to FIG. 7.

In this regard, the feedback variable (voltage/current at the measuring resistor/shunt) is first digitized by an analog-to-digital converter (A/D converter). Then, the feedback variable, for example the voltage V_(shunt), is sampled and the respectively higher sampled value is stored (held). This is also known as “sample and hold” (in FIG. 7).

In synchronism with the circuit of the lower-potential switch of the half-bridge of the resonant converter 1 (switch S1 in FIG. 3), the previously detected peak value Max for the feedback variable is reset by the control unit 2″. Thus, peak value detection for the feedback variable for each on time of the lower-potential switch of the half-bridge takes place.

This type of current detection can then also be evaluated for fault detection on the secondary side (for example for detecting a short-circuit state). In the case of such a fault state, the value for the feedback variable varies impermissibly, for example increases/drops to above/below a limit value. For example, the current I_(sense) detected on the primary side can increase to an impermissibly high level.

If such a fault state is identified, the control unit 2, 2′, 2″ can take measures to prevent destruction of the resonant converter 1, 1′. These measures can consist, for example, in a variation of the clocking or the duty factor of the half-bridge and/or the frequency f_(sw) of the half-bridge can be varied in order to reduce the transmitted power. Alternatively or in addition, complete disconnection of the LED converter 10, 10′ by the control unit 2, 2′, 2″ is also possible.

The advantage of detecting the peak value Max consists in that the control unit 2, 2′, 2″ varies the bus voltage V_(bus) directly on the basis of the present peak value for the feedback variable without integration or averaging needing to be performed by the control unit 2, 2′, 2″, and can also draw a direct conclusion on the power transmitted by the resonant converter.

However, it is important that preferably this peak value Max is used without further combination with other electrical variables, in particular without multiplication by the bus voltage V_(bus), for example, as feedback variable for the control/regulation of the power transmitted by the resonant converter 1, 1′. As mentioned, the controlled variable is, for example, the switching frequency of the switches of the half-bridge of the resonant converter. In particular, feedback of electrical variables detected on the secondary side can preferably be dispensed with.

In addition to the detection of the peak value Max of the current I_(sense) detected on the primary side, further characteristic values of the detected current I_(sense) can also be detected and evaluated. For example, the phase angle of the current I_(sense) in relation to the voltage at the lower-potential switch S1 of the half-bridge at the time at which the peak value Max is reached or else the phase angle of the current I_(sense) at the time of opening of the lower-potential switch S1 during clocking, i.e. the frequency f_(sw) and/or the duty factor, of the half-bridge can be taken into consideration.

It should be understood here that the above-described method and method steps can also be implemented by an integrated circuit, in particular by a microcontroller or an ASIC or a combination of the two.

The invention can thus in summary also provide an LED converter for operating a load comprising at least one LED string having at least one LED, preferably having a plurality of LEDs, wherein the LED converter comprises, on the primary side, a resonant converter to which a DC voltage is supplied, and which has a half-bridge formed with two alternately clocked switches, which half-bridge provides a supply voltage for the LED string via a series/parallel resonant circuit connected to the center point of said half-bridge, wherein the LED converter has a control unit, which is configured to set the frequency of the clocking of the half-bridge, and wherein the control unit, for controlling or regulating the power transmitted by the LED converter to the LED string, is configured to vary the frequency of the clocking in a frequency corridor which is limited on at least one side, and to vary the amplitude of the DC voltage supplying the resonant converter if a change in the load and/or the variation of a setpoint value for the power would result in a frequency working point outside of the frequency corridor.

The control unit can determine a feedback variable, in particular an actual value, in the resonant converter and set the frequency of the clocking on the basis of the feedback variable, wherein the feedback variable can be a variable which reflects the power transmitted by the resonant converter. The feedback variable can in particular be a current/voltage in the resonant converter or an electrical parameter reflecting said current/voltage.

When the LED converter is switched on, in particular when a mains voltage is applied, the control unit can set the frequency of the clocking in such a way that the frequency working point is in the frequency corridor. Whether the frequency working point is in the frequency corridor can be determined via the feedback variable. The control unit can at the same time set the DC voltage supplying the resonant converter to a DC voltage which is as low as possible, in particular with a low amplitude.

The control unit can gradually increase the DC voltage supplying the resonant converter until a threshold value for the feedback variable has been reached.

The control unit can keep the DC voltage supplying the resonant converter constant when the threshold value has been reached.

The control unit can implement runtime control and determine the feedback variable during the runtime control. The control unit can identify, on the basis of the feedback variable, whether the frequency working point is in the frequency corridor.

The control unit can adjust the DC voltage supplying the resonant converter when the check in respect of the feedback variable during the runtime control establishes that the frequency working point is outside the frequency corridor and/or would leave the frequency corridor.

The control unit can implement the runtime control once the threshold value has been reached.

A change in the load can result from a change in the number and/or the type of the operated LEDs in the LED string and/or from a change in temperature.

In addition, the invention can provide a method for operating an LED converter for operating a load comprising at least one LED string having at least one LED, preferably having a plurality of LEDs, wherein the LED converter comprises, on the primary side, a resonant converter to which a DC voltage is supplied, and which has a half-bridge formed with two alternately clocked switches, which half-bridge provides a supply voltage for the LED string via a series/parallel resonant circuit connected to the center point of said half-bridge, wherein the LED converter has a control unit, which sets the frequency of the clocking of the half-bridge, and wherein the control unit, for controlling or regulating the power transmitted by the LED converter to the LED string, varies the frequency of the clocking in a frequency corridor which is limited on at least one side, and varies the amplitude of the DC voltage supplying the resonant converter if a change in the load and/or the variation of a setpoint value for the power would result in a frequency working point outside the frequency corridor. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An LED converter (10) for operating a load comprising at least one LED string (6) having at least one LED, wherein the LED converter (10) comprises, on a primary side, a resonant converter (1) to which a DC voltage (V_(bus)) is supplied, and which has a half-bridge formed with two alternately clocked switches (S1, S2), said half-bridge provides a supply voltage for the LED string (6) via a series/parallel resonant circuit connected to the center point of said half-bridge, wherein a control unit (2), for regulating the power transmitted by the LED converter (10) to the LED string, is configured to determine directly or indirectly a peak value (Max) of a current (I_(sense)) through a lower-potential switch (S1) of the half-bridge, as actual value fed back in each switch-on cycle of the lower-potential switch (S1), and to set, as controlled variable, a frequency (f_(sw)) of a clocking and/or a duty factor, of the half-bridge.
 2. The LED converter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (2) is configured to determine the peak value (Max) by sampling a voltage (V_(shunt))/current (I_(sense)) at a measuring resistor, and wherein the control unit (2) is configured to store a higher value detected by the sampling, the instantaneous peak value.
 3. The LED converter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (2) is configured to reset a stored value in synchronism with the circuit of the lower-potential switch (S1) of the half-bridge.
 4. The LED converter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (2) is configured to identify a secondary-side fault state when the detected peak value (Max) reaches a threshold value.
 5. The LED converter as claimed in claim 4, wherein the control unit (2) is configured to vary the frequency (f_(sw)) of the clocking and/or a duty factor of the half-bridge and thus to reduce the transmitted power, and/or to disconnect the LED converter, in the event of identification of a fault state.
 6. The LED converter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (2) is configured to set the DC voltage (V_(bus)) supplying the resonant converter (1) by driving a switch of a PFC circuit (4).
 7. The LED converter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (2) is configured to communicate a setpoint value (V_(bus)*) for the DC voltage (V_(bus)) supplying the resonant converter (1) to a PFC circuit (4).
 8. A method for operating an LED converter (10) for operating a load comprising at least one LED string (6) having at least one LED, wherein the LED converter (10) comprises, on a primary side, a resonant converter (1) to which a DC voltage (V_(bus)) is supplied, and which has a half-bridge formed with two alternately clocked switches (S1, S2), said half-bridge provides a supply voltage for the LED string (6) via a series/parallel resonant circuit connected to the center point of said half-bridge, wherein the method comprises: determining, directly or indirectly, via a control unit (2″), for regulating the power transmitted by the LED converter to the LED string (6), a peak value (Max) of the current (I_(sense)) through the lower-potential switch (S1) of the half-bridge, as actual value fed back in each switch-on cycle, and setting, as controlled variable, the frequency (f_(sw)) of the clocking and/or the duty factor, of the half-bridge.
 9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the control unit (2) determines the peak value (Max) by sampling a voltage (V_(shunt))/current (I_(sense)) at a measuring resistor, and wherein the control unit (2) stores a higher value detected by the sampling, the instantaneous peak value.
 10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the control unit (2) resets a stored value in synchronism with the circuit of the lower-potential switch (S1) of the half-bridge.
 11. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the control unit (2) identifies a secondary-side fault state when the detected peak value (Max) reaches a threshold value.
 12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the control unit varies the frequency (f_(sw)) of the clocking and/or a duty factor of the half-bridge and thus reduces the transmitted power and/or disconnects the LED converter (10) in the event of identification of a fault state.
 13. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the control unit (2) sets the DC voltage (V_(bus)) supplying the resonant converter (1) by driving a switch of a PFC circuit (4).
 14. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the control unit (2) communicates a setpoint value (V_(bus)*) for the DC voltage (V_(bus)) supplying the resonant converter (1) to a PFC circuit (4).
 15. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the series/parallel resonant circuit supplies a transformer (3), which provides, at its output on the secondary side, the supply voltage for the LED string (6).
 16. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein a diode circuit feeds a storage capacitor (5) on the secondary side,—at an output of the transformer (3), said storage capacitor provides the supply voltage for the LED string (6).
 17. An integrated circuit, which is configured and/or programmed to implement a method as claimed in claim
 8. 